Events & Festivals in Western Loire in December

The Kunsthalle moves to Nantes…

The Fine Arts museum in Nantes will be presenting its own selection of masterpieces from the Kunsthalle zu Kiel, one of Germany's finest museums which blends ancient and contemporary art expertly.

Thirty paintings and sculptures and twenty drawings were selected to be displayed before a French and German public. The Fine Arts museum has decided to complement this display with a number of contemporary works to echo the 19th century paintings.

What dreams may come…

"Machines on the Island" (Les Machines de l'Ile) is indeed a mysterious concept... It involves massive animals, creatures of the savana or the ocean depths, appearing suddenly in the middle of the city, as if one's daydreams had crossed over into reality…

You will not have to imagine this, because it has been imagined for you. These giant wood and metal creatures will be there, palpable, more real than ever. Evidently, a discussion will be organised to explain the process of creation and to introduce the team of artists/engineers.

This fantastic event is signed François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice working with the famed Royal de Luxe company!

The foundations of a city…

The Thomas Dobrée Archeological Museum in Nantes will for the duration of this exhibition become a gateway allowing you to travel back in time. Discover the history of Nantes and the region, from prehistory to the year one thousand.

From the apparition of humans to the first settlement, witness the birth and evolution of a city.

Gorillas in today's world.

The Museum of Natural History in Nantes, working together with the Rennes Espace des sciences and the Palais de la découverte, is organising an expo dedicated to the king of primates, the elusive, mysterious gorilla.

This animal, born out of the African forest, is an important symbol for many faiths and religious systems. The exhibition will be broken into two sections, both of which attempt to reveal the true nature of these fascinating creatures.

Five themes underpin this event: "Brute or BFG (Big Friendly Giant)?"; "Gorilla and man, a common heritage"; "Gorillas and the tropical forest"; "Watching Gorillas"; and finally "Gorillas in Danger".

This last theme will be a stepping stone onto the next section of the exhibition which aims to discuss what is affecting the life and habitat of the gorilla and what the future holds for this awe-inspiring animal.

A unique folklore…

The Espace Faïence, in collaboration with the Breton museum (musée départemental breton) is organising an exhibition dedicated to Breton history.

The round hats, the "bigoud" headdresses, clogs and other "Bretoneries"… Born from a particular phase in 19th-century Breton decorative arts, these are the elements of an imaginary vision that makes up the collective Breton culture.

Le Petit Breton à Malicorne is about a unique and fascinating folklore. The exhibition draws from the works of Hippolyte Lalaisse, and the famous Breton icon created by Léon Pouplard.

The beast within the mind…

Discover a world of unicorns, dragons, giants, Krakens, griffins and so many more unimaginable imaginary creatures…

This exhibition will be a fascinating experience for young and old, a trip into the mindscapes of history's great civilisations. Don't miss out on this fantastic journey into a world like no other.

Art gallery and historical museum.

The art gallery and museum is divided into two sections:

- The Galerie d'Histoire
- The Galerie d'Art, featuring a selection of 18th and 19th century works on mythological, historical or religious themes and including both landscapes and portraits (C. Van Loo, J.-M. Nattier, N. Hallé). The collection of 20th century paintings offers a panorama of geometric abstract works, from Cubism to the present day, with works by A. Gleizes, G. Valmier, A. Herbin, F. Kupka, V. Vasarely, F. Morellet, M. Jouet, A. Nemours, J. Gorin, J. Dewasne, etc., illustrating all the major artistic movements of our time.

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

A village recounts its memories...

In the heart of the forest of Perseigne, a village recounts its memories in the Maison du Sabot (clog museum).
Neufchâtel-en-Saosnois showcases the skills of those who worked with wood: clog-makers, woodsmen, carpenters, cartwrights and wheelwrights, etc.
The collection of woodworking tools are witnesses to a common past.

A new park for Angers.

The 50 hectare park is a new feature on the banks of the River Maine bordering the town centre.
Designed and managed as a sustainable development project, it creates a link between the Saint-Nicolas parks and the Lac de Maine.

The architects took their inspiration from the Marais Poitevin to create a landscape of canals in one section, as well as such different areas as corridors of grasses, an oak forest, coloured woods, flowering meadows, family gardens, dunes and green waves or even water meadows.

A tree in all but size.

If you find bonsai fascinating or intriguing, the bonsai tropicarium is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the world of these decorative miniature trees first created by the Japanese. This specialist bonsai grower is highly reputed regionally and in the profession for the quality of his work and the care and attention he devotes to these miniature trees. The staff of the tropicarium are dedicated to their calling, and the bonsai is revered, almost worshipped, here.
What makes the tropicarium unusual is the sheer variety of the bonsais on display.

Not to be missed: from the Chinese elm to the dracaenas by way of the Japanese maple, a whole palette of colours, fragrances and styles await the visitor. You'll come away from the visit with a deeper knowledge of bonsai plants, whether for the interior or exterior. The owners lavish every care on their plants, protecting and nurturing them all year round. They will happily share with you their tips on how to care for your bonsai: watering, growth, feeding, exposure to sunlight, cleaning, parasites and diseases, repotting, warning signs, pruning, temperature and ventilation. The hothouses are home not only to bonsais of all kinds, but also to tropical plants.
A slight understatement perhaps, since 2,000 exotic species are cultivated here. Bamboos, sugar canes, water hyacinths, palm trees, succulents, lianas and other species luxuriate in the warmth of the hothouses. The exotic hothouse, through which flows a stream populated by hundreds of terrapins, offers visitors a glimpse of tropical jungle. The plants under cultivation vary according to the season.

A World Heritage site.

The area of some 253,000 hectares that makes up the Parc Loire-Anjou-Touraine is above all a land of confluences along its many rivers. A landscape shaped by man, the Loire is designated a UNESCO World Heritage "cultural landscape", a title awarded to an area in which aspects of cultural heritage blend harmoniously with a natural landscape of significant quality.
The architecture of the Park is characterised by the distinctive pale tufa stone which reflects sunlight and forms a stark contract to the blue slates of the roofs. The natural heritage reflects the image of the Loire landscape: a landscape made up of vines, hillsides, troglodyte caves, forests, pastureland and valleys, but also a host of wild birds (over 200 species identified), the European beaver, salmon and shad that are also part of the history of the Loire.
The Parc Loire-Anjou-Touraine covers 136 communes, all committed to an innovative, dynamic policy based on the preservation and presentation of their natural, historical and cultural heritage, on economic and social development and on enhancing environmental awareness and education. The Park is working to establish innovative experimental projects in the field of sustainable development.

From the 11th century to contemporary art.

Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, modified during the 14th and 15th centuries and again during the Renaissance, the castle of Laval has retained its crypt and all its original defences: the keep, the fortified walls, etc.
Against the walls of this castle, the display of Naive Art makes an astonishing contrast: the castle museum features an international collection of Naive Art including works by some of themovement's greatest names: from Bauchant to Bombois, Vivin, Séraphine and Henri Rousseau (Le Douanier), whose studio is recreated here.

Will you get a good impression?

The Museum of Printing in Nantes owns a permanent collection of 2,000 original prints by national and international artists, all produced on the museum's presses.
The works are available to interested organisations in the form of "turnkey" exhibitions.
They can also be accompanied by educational displays presenting the various printing techniques, equipment and special events.

Dinner's practically ready.

La Charmille is a charming introduction to authentic organic farm produce.
The farmers will give you a warm welcome and advise you on local products.
Discover delicious organic vegetables, charcuterie, cider and homemade jams, cheese, dairy products, apples and pears and honey.

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

Chateau overlooking the Loire.

The chateau overlooking the Loire, made famous by Alexandre Dumas, was built in the 15th century.

Half residence and half fortress, the building was originally four-sided, flanked by four square towers and surrounded by deep moats fed from the Loire.

After major restoration work, a tour of the chateau now includes an audio-visual tour on the theme of the Loire.

Admire the coastline.

This 4.8km walk starts from the lake and then follows the Grande Plage along the coastline and its inlets before joining the Sentier des Douaniers footpath and continuing.
Follow the Maxence beach (near which a chalybeate spring still rises, its waters rich in iron).
Next cross the chimney carved into the cliff, known as the Trou de l'Enfer (hell hole).
Pass by the 19th century Château de la Gressière.
End your walk by returning to the Parc Thibaud.
Throughout the walk, the rugged coastline offers magnificent views which can be enjoyed from sea level since the path often runs along the beach. Be sure to set off at low tide, however, otherwise parts of the route will no longer be accessible on foot.

Open your eyes and enjoy the trip!

The visit will transport you to the shores of South Africa in company with the Cape penguins, or under the seas for an imaginary journey on our ancient submarine, the "Gulf Stream", for a close-up look at the sea turtles.
Or you could take a stroll in the direction of Bora Bora to admire its multi-coloured fish. No need to take the plane to Australia to enjoy a unique experience with the sharks, either.
Why not stop by and visit all these destinations and many more?

Jumping for joy.

Meet the bounciest animal in the world at the Parc de La Possonière!
On the kilometre-long walk that is also a learning experience, you will be surrounded by kangaroos roaming free.

The park also features a video room providing more in-depth information about the kangaroo.

Nantes, a modern, contemporary city.

From industrial architecture like the Batignolles plant or the famous Lefèvre-Utile (LU) factory, now home to the Nantes national theatre, from religious buildings like the parish church of Sainte-Thérèse, from modern housing or offices (Le Corbusier's Delamarre building) to post-war reconstruction, from Art Nouveau (villa Jeannette) to Art Déco (CGA building), Nantes is chock-full of an exciting urban contemporary architectural heritage most of which was built during the "Trente Glorieuses", the heady years of post-war expansion from 1945 to 1975.

Cholet's best-loved park.

The park was laid out in 1980 and includes provision for both physical activities (sports facilities, swimming pool) and relaxation (a tree-lined walk).

This local park is very popular with all age-groups, and the facilities provide something for everyone.

It serves as the focal point for a whole neighbourhood, a mixture of detached houses, blocks of flats and public buildings (sports college).

Like a fish in water…

Embark for the shores of South Africa to meet the Cape penguins. Or, you can take our imaginary old submarine, the "Gulf Stream", to meet century-old sea turtles. Then pass through the tunnel, surrounded by a wealth of Atlantic-based fauna.

One of the Ocearium's brand new 2008 attractions is the "Lagoon", a large hall dedicated to tropical fish in which visitors are free to roam and explore.

Don't miss the 'Australian Shark pavilion' for a close-up vision of an impressive but obscure predator, the Australian grey nurse shark.

Industrial hemp-growing in the Saosnois.

The Maison de la Ruralité in Saint-Rémy-du-Val houses a permanent exhibition that reveals the economic importance of hemp-growing in the Saosnois (northern Sarthe).
The CLE des Valois association has gathered a collection of machines once used in hemp-growing, and explains the traditions of the hemp-farmers.

Over 900 years of history.

Founded in 1101 by Robert d'Arbrissel, the royal abbey of Fontevraud is first and foremost a place steeped in history: peopled by memories of Eleanor of Aquitaine, of Richard the Lionheart and the Plantagenet King Henry II, or of the Bourbon Princesses; haunted by its more recent past as a political prison. In 1975, thanks to the efforts of Minister Olivier Guichard and on the combined initiative of the Pays de la Loire Region and the French Ministry of Culture, the abbey became a Cultural Centre and meeting-place, with responsibility for managing the monument's heritage and culture.
The royal abbey of Fontevraud is more than just a monument and museum, however, despite being the proud possessor of the recumbent figures of three kings; it is also home to an original cultural project run by the Centre Culturel de l'Ouest (CCO): exhibitions, debates and religious music all aim to bring the worlds of art and new information technology together, to link architecture with virtual reality, to advance research in the field of imaging heritage.
A centre for heritage-related creation and training, Fontevraud welcomes not just artists in residence but also many students.
Nine centuries of Western history stand here in 14 hectares of parkland: Fontevraud, which is part of the Val de Loire UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fitting home for such activities, which link the exceptional wealth of our culture to modern Europe and the modern world.

If wishes were horses…

Do you like nature? If you have always dreamed of learning to ride in idyllic natural surroundings, then Barbara and her horses will not disappoint. From complete beginners to experienced riders, from a walk on a lead rope to a challenging flatwork class, Barbara offers a friendly approach to riding.

A unique collection of plants.

The positioning of the buildings, the rainwater pool in the centre and the view over the railway have shaped the composition of the park.

An alley links the reception terrace (a reminder of the squared gardens of the Middle Ages) to the main terrace (a vast open space at the foot of the former Blanchisserie buildings where the cloth was bleached), where the edges of the rainwater pool are cut to a gentle slope to accommodate the bleached cloth.

The surround is decorated with a series of floral scenes organised (over 1,080m²) by colour (red and pink, yellow and orange, green, blue). Masses of shrubs create patches of shade, especially where the "Sauvageau river" enters the museum. Contrary to certain ideas, the "simples" are grown at random (some of the plants concerned grow by the roadside or in the countryside).

Remodelled over the centuries.

The church of La Trinité was built in 1070 and much remodelled over the centuries.
Its architecture is distinctly mixed, and a visit reveals the different phases of its successive transformations and the splendour of its furnishings.

The way it used to be.

The School Museum is an invitation to memory and nostalgia for some and a source of discovery and curiosity for others: school as it used to be is presented through an extraordinary collection of teaching aids and school text-books.
The museum was first opened to the public in 1991 and currently contains over 10,000 items (text-books, teaching documents and school furniture) that bring old-time schooldays vividly back to life.

French formal gardens.

The Grand-Lucé gardens, redesigned and opened to the public in 1999, take their inspiration from 18th century texts.
The French-style gardens with their shaped box-hedges, green rooms and exotic garden culminate at the great staircase leading to the floral kitchen garden.
In the distance, the view opens out onto the landscaped park with its reflecting pool mirroring the image of the chateau, its crown of lime trees and its ha-ha, or sunken fence.
The adjoining forest covers 17 hectares, crisscrossed by rides dotted with statues.

Take a trip down the Mayenne and discover the Loire Valley.

Once upon a time the Mayenne was overrun by commercial activity. Nowadays, however, it has become a unique site where objects and creatures of ecological importance are preserved while at the same time allowing for a number of leisure pursuits.
Perfect for a walk or bike ride, the 85km towpath can be taken in sections but is suitable for a continuous cycle ride.

The fortress: a heart of stone in a green setting.

The earliest known history of the castle begins under the Vicomtes de Beaumont, as witnessed by the stone keep at the castle entrance. It witnessed the defeat of William, Duke of Normandy (William the Conqueror) who laid siege to the castle for three years without success.
In 1604, Guillaume Fouquet de la Varenne purchased the castle of Sainte-Suzanne from Marguerite de Navarre and, a few years later, built the residential quarters, a perfect example of contemporary provincial architecture (currently under restoration).

Head in the clouds.

Paradise for teenagers and somewhere for adults to relax and enjoy new adventures, Pornic Aventure park is the ideal destination for a successful family outing.
Once the "foresters" have instilled the basic safety rules, you set off to explore the circuits at your own pace and discretion (but always under the watchful eye of an experienced professional).

Almost a century old.

The park began as a small wood that was transformed into a public park by the Société Immobilière de La Baule-les-Pins development company.
It was opened at the same time as the beach at La Baule-Les Pins on 1 July 1923.
Louis Lajarrige bought the park in 1937 and donated it to the town in 1951.
Covering an area of 25,000m² and more, the park contains over three hundred trees - ornamental, deciduous and conifers - and close on twenty thousand plants.

Live Latin American music

Enjoy a great night out in the relaxed atmosphere of the Algodon with Latin American music from Wednesday to Saturday.
Every Sunday there is a live music concert.
All the biggest stars have been to the Algodon accompanied by TV cameras: Pierpoljack, Michael Jones, Yuri Buenaventura and many, many others.
An unforgettable night out.

Representation of power, symbol of an emperor.

La Roche-sur-Yon has devised a new set of heritage signposts: the 5.5km Napoleon circuit takes walkers on a unique route around the town to discover its past and its unique sites by means of an explanatory route (parcours d'interprétation) marked out by distinctive signage consisting of plaques and bookstands.
The heritage walk guides visitors through the historic town centre (Pentagone and Quartier de la Gare) and explains how the town developed from its founding in 1804 up to the mid-19th century.
The walk is divided into three sectors:
the natural site and the old town;
the town under Napoleon;
the town's expansion from 1870 to 1940.
The Napoleon circuit was developed under the auspices of the Fédération Européenne des Cités Napoléoniennes launched by the towns of Ajaccio and La Roche-sur-Yon.
Encompassing a total of 25 European towns and cities, the Federation promotes exchanges of historical information on Napoleonic history, showcases Napoleonic heritage and organises cultural and educational campaigns.

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

In the footsteps of...

The tour follows a path marking out the various stages in the life of Alain Gerbault: childhood, the First World War, his adventures at sea, his final port of call in Polynesia.
The extensive museum collection is made up of photographs, maps, letters and personal possessions.

At the abbey of Clairmont, nestling in the hollow of a valley, visitors are invited to absorb a sense of peace and contemplation as they discover the grandeur and yet simplicity of Cistercian art.
The abbey was founded by Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century, and features magnificent ruins.

Understanding the salt marshes.

For 20 years, the rich heritage of the Pays de Guérande, shaped by the 2,000 year-old history of salt, has been on display in the Musée des Marais Salants in Batz-sur-Mer.

The museum takes the visitor on a journey of discovery, illustrating how the salt-pans were operated, the archaeology and history of salt, the salt trade and salt taxes.

The life of the marsh-dwellers in the 19th century is remembered in the collections of furniture and regional clothing.
Collections of shell figurines, faïence decorated with themes alluding to the marshes, and paintings are also on display.